Darius Latham

Combine Results

Grade

5.32 SEC

29.0 INCH

100.0 INCH

7.76 SEC

4.63 SEC

Draft Analysis:

6'4" Height

34 3/4" Arm Length

311LBS. Weight

10" Hands

Overview

Latham is a product of Indianapolis' North Central High School, where he starred as a football and basketball player, and decided to sign on with his home state team despite being a top 20 defensive tackle recruit nationally. The team made room for their prized recruit on the field immediately, as he played in all 12 games as a regular in the rotation (22 tackles, three for loss, two sacks, three pass break-ups). Latham made some plays in his sophomore year (10 starts, 26 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks) but turned up his game a bit in his junior year. He garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten honors after making 33 tackles, 10 for loss, and four sacks during 2015. However, NFL scouts evaluating the early entrant will take heed that Latham was twice suspended for one game due to violating team rules. In addition, Latham was arrested in early March for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Pro Day Results

Analysis

Strengths

Sports broad shoulders and and NFL mass. Specializes in hand to hand combat at the point of attack. Uses his jarring upper body power to dislodge blockers from their spot on his way to the ball. Uses size and strength to create gap disruption. Hands are quick and violent using them to club, slap and shove to keep linemen off of him. Raw, but has some rush to him. Has feet to get to the guards edge as a pass rusher and can generate instant pocket push against anchor-deficient blockers.

Weaknesses

Plays hard but lacks proper conditioning. Might not have enough power in his lowers to sit down and own both gaps. Will go along with wash down blocks rather than battling through it. Body control needs to improve. Consistency at the point of attack can improve with better bend. Personal character has scouts concerned. Was suspended twice for "undisclosed violations" forcing him to miss three games. Flagged eight times for 90 yards including three 15­-yard penalties.

Draft Projection

Rounds 4 or 5

Sources Tell Us

"He's got a projectable frame that can add more weight and muscle. I look at his power and his ability to create disturbance in the pocket and that is what he will get drafted on. The so-called 'cons' is what we get coached to improve." -- NFL assistant defensive line coach

NFL Comparison

Quinton Dial

Bottom Line

Broad shouldered interior defender who can fit in 4­-3 or 3­-4 fronts. Latham uses his hands and length to unlock his impressive upper body strength, but he is more of a "flash" prospect than consistent performer. While his run stopping is inconsistent at times, it appears to be correctable with more work. Latham's size and play traits might get him drafted beyond his production if his work ethic and character check out.